Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix

Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix is a great substitution for the packets that you buy in the store. The best part is, this mix actually tastes better, and you are in control of what is going into your food. For something, this simple there is no need to buy a commercial taco seasoning packet ever again. This recipe is low carb and keto-friendly too!

Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?

I have been making this recipe for years as it is super simple, healthier, and cheaper. I love that I know that I am putting real ingredients in my family’s food.

Have you ever read the ingredients on the back of a taco seasoning packet? I am staring at a packet that I have had in my pantry for probably as long as I have come up with this recipe.

It is an omen. I must have kept it long enough so I could read off the ingredients to you. 🙂

Here are the ingredients as they are listed on the back of my packet:

Whey onion, modified corn starch, salt, sugar, paprika, garlic, natural flavors with oleoresin paprika (for color), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), spices including chili pepper, caramel color (contains sodium bisulfite), disodium inosinate, disodium guanylate.

I had to look up disodium inosinate and disodium guanylate and they are similar to MSG and can cause allergic reactions in certain individuals. I am actually allergic MSG so I’m glad I looked this up.

Do you really want to eat this stuff? You don’t need to anymore…

Low Carb and Sugar-Free Version of Taco Seasoning Mix

Due to some health concerns of mine, my husband and I recently started following a keto diet. Because my original version of the taco mix has corn starch and sugar, I played around with substitutions until I came up with a sugar-free and cornstarch (carb) free option. I’m so excited because it literally tastes that same as the original version!

The recipe calls for cornstarch in order to help thicken the water and seasoning mixture into a sauce. To make this a lower carb version, I substituted 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon of xantham gum, but it’s not necessary. You could just use a 1/2 cup of water, instead of 3/4 cup and let the liquid reduce. If you do use xantham gum, be careful not to add too much as it can quite literally give it a gummy texture.

What Do I Need to Make Taco Seasoning Mix?

• Chili Powder
• Onion Powder
• Oregano
• Erythritol (Sugar Substitute)
• Cumin
• Garlic Powder
• Paprika 
• Xantham Gum
• Cayenne Pepper
• Salt (My Favorite Salt!)
• Pepper

How to Make Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix

Each recipe makes the equivalent to one taco seasoning packet. I often triple or quadruple the recipe and store in an airtight container to have on hand. When you go to make the recipe you would use approximately 4 tablespoons of the mixture.

To make taco meat, brown 1 lb ground beef, then add seasoning along with 3/4 cup of water. Cook until the water reduces and the mixture thickens to your desired consistency. Usually, this process takes about 5 to 10 minutes on medium-high.

This version is mild, but you can definitely add cayenne pepper to increase the heat. Actually feel free to play around with any of the seasoning quantities to your liking.

Popular Recipes You’re Going to Love

• Quick Stuffed Zucchini Taco Boats
• Fast and Easy Keto Lunches
• Fast and Easy Keto Breakfasts

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Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix

Yield: 6 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

This copycat taco seasoning mix tastes better than the real thing. The best part - it's super easy and you know what ingredients are going in your food! If you are on a low-carb, gluten free, sugar free, paleo, or keto diet see appropriate substitutions in parenthesis. You will not notice a difference by making these substitutions.

Print

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sugar (or substitute 1 tsp. stevia or 2 tsp. erythritol
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch (or substitute -1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon xantham gum
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to your liking
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions

1. In a bowl combine all of the above ingredients.
2. Each recipe is equivalent to a package of taco seasoning mix you would buy in the store.
3. To make taco meat: brown 1 lb. ground beef (drained), add taco seasoning mix, and 3/4 cup of water.
4. Over medium high heat, cook until liquid is reduced and meat mixture reaches your desired consistency.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 13 Total Fat: 0.4g Saturated Fat: 0g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 0mg Sodium: 334mg Carbohydrates: 2.6g Net Carbohydrates: 1.4g Fiber: 1.2g Sugar: 0.2g Sugar Alcohols: 0g Protein: 0.5g

DISCLAIMER: Any changes to this recipe could change the nutrition facts. Nutrition facts are provided as a reference only and are calculated to the best of our ability using Nutritionix. If you are concerned, always calculate your own nutritional analysis. The information provided on Seeking Good Eats is for informational use only and we are not liable for how that information is used. The information provided by Seeking Good Eats is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.